Telkom Knockout champions face tough road trip

Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns all received home draws for the last 16 of South Africa's Telkom Knockout, but champions Bidvest Wits face a tough hurdle as they begin their defence.

Chiefs will take on newly-promoted Black Leopards in the first round of a competition in which they have historically excelled, but have not tasted success since 2010.

It is also the latest piece of silverware on offer to the side, who have gone more than three seasons without a trophy, an unwanted club record.

Pirates will host Chippa United in a fixture that sees visiting coach Eric Tinkler return to the team he used to manage. Pirates have already beaten the Chilli Boyz 1-0 in the league this season and will fancy their chances to progress.

Sundowns host tricky Bloemfontein Celtic, a clash which pits coaches Pitso Mosimane and Steve Komphela, the best of friends, against one another.

Wits must go to Free State Stars, who they defeated in the first round on their way to lifting the title last year, but have traditionally found the going tough in Bethlehem.

Astonishingly, it will be the fourth successive year that these clubs have met in the first round of the Telkom Knockout.

Celtic were surprise finalists last year and lifted this trophy in 2012, while Pirates have won just one of their eight final appearances down the years.

Current MTN8 holders Cape Town City, who claimed the Telkom Knockout in 2016, must travel to Durban to face AmaZulu in what will be a difficult away day against Cavin Johnson's team.

SuperSport United also have it tough on the road against in-form Polokwane City, while Maritzburg United entertain Highlands Park in what will likely be a tightly-contested match.

Finally, Baroka FC will have the chance to put their poor league form behind them when they entertain Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Last 16.

The fixtures are scheduled to take place on the weekend of October 20/21, with the exact dates, times and venues yet to be determined by the PSL.